Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We're an organisation where people matter. Watch our video to find out more!

We're continuing to build a diverse organisation which is representative of the people we serve. We want to harness the skills and expertise of our people and attract the best talent, to enable a safe and accessible railway for everyone. To learn why inclusion is important to us, please click here.

About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone!

We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.

We're also a Disability Confident Leader employer and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.

Your Growth, Your Future

This is an amazing opportunity to launch a career with purpose and progression. You'll be placed on an 18-month fast track programme, designed to set you up for success in higher-level roles. From the moment you join, you'll receive structured training to build both your technical and interpersonal skills. Whether you're new to the industry or looking to take the next step, we'll help you develop the confidence and competence to succeed.

Many of our Operatives go on to become Technicians, Team Leaders, and beyond. With us, your career path is clear - and your potential is limitless.

️ What You'll Be Doing

As an Operative specialising in Signalling & Telecoms, you'll be trained to work with a wide range of equipment that controls train movements—such as signals, level crossings, and points systems. Your work will directly impact the safety and efficiency of the railway, and you'll gain valuable experience across manual, electrical, and digital systems.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Collaborating with your team to carry out essential maintenance and repairs.
• Preparing vehicles and equipment before each shift to ensure everything is ready and safe.
• Driving your team between work sites and transporting tools and materials.
• Performing lookout duties to protect your team from oncoming trains and other hazards.
• Working outdoors in all weather conditions, sometimes in physically demanding environments.

What We're Looking For

We're keen to hear from candidates who have experience of working on the installation and/or maintenance of electrical equipment and systems. You don't need previous railway experience, what matters most is your attitude, your willingness to learn, and your ability to work safely and effectively as part of a team. If you bring the right mindset, we'll provide the training and support to help you thrive.

Essential Criteria:

• A qualification or demonstrable knowledge in engineering, electrical, or electronic systems (e.g. City & Guilds, GNVQ, National Diploma, or equivalent).
• Experience working in environments where safety is a top priority.
• A full UK driving licence (Category B), as you'll be required to drive company vehicles.
• Willingness and ability to work a variety of shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and on-call duties (if applicable).
• Ability to commute to your designated location within 60 minutes.
• Successful completion of pre-employment checks, including drug and alcohol testing, medical assessments (hearing and eyesight), and BPSS clearance.

The Skills That Matter

We're looking for individuals who can demonstrate the following qualities:

What to Expect from the Application Process

We want to make sure this role is the right fit for you, and that you're set up for success from the start. Here's what the process looks like:

Inclusion and Belonging

We're proud to foster a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their authentic selves. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, people from ethnic minority communities, disabled candidates, and LGBTQ+ individuals. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we're here to support you.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're passionate about safety, eager to learn, and ready to be part of a team that keeps the country moving, we'd love to hear from you. This is more than a job—it's a chance to build a career with purpose, pride, and possibility.

Salary £37,073

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Network Rail Benefits – To find out about what benefits we offer, click here

Closing date: 7th September 2025

Please get your application in as soon as possible, we may close the advert before the listed closing date if we receive enough applications. Late applications will not be accepted.

Please note the recruitment process for this role is a Competency based interview.

We're dedicated to creating an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from everyone!

Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles. You can visit Evenbreak's Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.

Network Rail Benefits – To find out about what benefits we offer, click here

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information

Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application.

Drugs and Alcohol Standard:

Should you be successful in this role you will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced